Lingyan Temple is actually a large complex of 36 halls and 18 pavilions, hidden in the mountain range which includes Mt Tai south of Jinan. It is regarded as the first among the four most important ancient temples in China and has been placed under state protection for some years.
The temple was founded in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and further developed during both the Northern Wei Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty. The temple's most famous artifacts were added during the Song dynasty: forty clay statues a meter high depicting Buddhist arhats (individuals who have attained the goal of enlightenment). They rest in the Thousand Buddha Hall. Pizhi Pagoda is an eight-sided, nine-story pagoda built of brick and stone, with an iron steeple at the top steadied by chains held tight by celestial guards on each corner of the roof. At the base of the 54-meter high pagoda is a stone pedestal carved with scenes of punishment for wrongdoers.
Other notable structures in Lingyan Temple include Huichong Tower, Jicui Zhengming Hall, Daxiong Hall and the Imperial Library. A number of carved tablets have been laid around the temple over the past 1500 years by calligraphers, scholars, poets and emperors who came here to find inspiration.
Sign up with
Google
